Movieo
Poster for Sweet Smell of Success

Sweet Smell of Success

Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!

1957 · 1h 37m · Approved Drama
Directed by Alexander Mackendrick

Seen it?

Overview

New York City newspaper writer J.J. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column, but one thing that he can't control is his younger sister, Susan, who is in a relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. Hunsecker strongly disapproves of the romance and recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple, no matter how ruthless the method.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
98%
Tomatometer
Fresh

Mackendrick's nighthawk landscape is compellingly, poetically bleak.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Fresh

James Hill's production, locationed in Manhattan, captures the feel of Broadway and environs after dark.

Variety Staff, Variety
Fresh

A lean, mean amorality tale that still goes down like a cookie laced with arsenic.

Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
Fresh

The main incentive to see this movie is its witty, pungent and idiomatic dialogue, such as you never hear on the screen anymore in this age of special-effects illiteracy.

Andrew Sarris, New York Observer
Fresh

Its pleasures are almost obscenely abundant.

A.O. Scott, New York Times

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films